ENGLISH
REFERENCE

racism

n.
US //ˈɹeɪˌsɪzəm// UK //ɹˈeɪsɪzəm// racism
  1. 1 prejudice or discrimination (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    unfair treatment or dislike of people because they belong to a different race or ethnic group.

    prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.

    Example

    The organization works hard to fight racism in local schools and workplaces.

    Example

    The report highlighted how casual racism in the workplace can create a hostile environment for minority employees even when it is not overt.
  2. 2 the belief in racial hierarchy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the false belief that some human races are naturally better, smarter, or more capable than others.

    the ideology or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement.

    Example

    Scientific racism was used in the past to justify very cruel laws.

    Example

    The pseudo-scientific theories of racism that emerged in the nineteenth century were used to provide a moral veneer for colonial expansion.
    • racialism
  3. 3 systemic or institutional (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    laws, rules, or social systems that give advantages to one race while treating others unfairly.

    the collective failure of an organisation or society to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture, or ethnic origin.

    Example

    The protesters called for an end to systemic racism in the legal system.

    Example

    Sociologists argue that systemic racism can persist through housing and education policies even in the absence of individual prejudice.

    Usage

    Often used with modifiers like 'institutional', 'systemic', or 'structural'.
Origin

Borrowed from French racisme, equivalent to race + -ism.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026